Method of and apparatus for producing theatrical illusions



June 1 1926. 1,586,863

H. THURSTON El' AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THEATRICAL ILLUSIONS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 q ,June 1 1926. 1,586,863

H. THURSTON El' AL ,METHOD OF-AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING LTHEA'IRIGAT.: ILLUSIOS Filed Sept. 9 g2g s 4sheetsj-snmn 2 J3 'El 44 June 1 1926. 1,586,853 H. THURSTON ET AL METHOD oF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THEATRrcAL ILLusIoNs Filed Sept. 9, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 on said pedestals that the opening GO will register with the passageway through the hollow column 17V of the pedestal 13.

At each end of the base platform 25 there are secured a plurality ofcolumns 26, preferably made of iron pipes. The columns 2e support, at the upper ents thereof, a can-M opy 27 having a central chamber 2S, open at the bottom, for a purpose to be presently explained. Suspended from the front of the canopy 27 is a central curtain 29, anda weight bar 30 arranged at the lower end thereof serves to causethe lower edge of the curtain to fall. The curtain 29 is adapted to be raised and lowered by means of ropes 3l, which extendover pulleys 32. arranged in the canopy, andv thence to the exterior ier manual control by one of the operators,

whereby the curtain may be raised and low-4 ered during the presentation oft-hev illusion in the manner hereinafterset forth.

At each end of the apparatus` there are also provided curtainsv and Bel, which preferably surround the sides, ends and rear of those port-ions of theV structure adjacent.

the respective sets of vertical columns E26. The curtains 33 and are open on. the portions thereof towards the center of the apparatus, and they arelsimilar mari-angeinent, with the exception that that portion of thc curtain 33,which is provided at the left hand end of the apparatus has a vertical opening 85 which is normally closed by por.- tionsof the curtain overlapping each other. The curtains. 33v and 35iare suitably weighted by means of-bars 3G, bent to zproper shape, and which tend normally to hold' the curtains 33 and ihdownto their lowermostvpositions. The curtains anfd ll are also 1 t vided with ropes 37, which extend over pull leys 38 in the canopy, and thence to the exterior for manual control by the operators for the purpose of raising and lowering said curtains when desired;

The lower ends o f the columns 26 are cnclosed within box-like structures 410, which extend upward a short distance. 'lheseboxlikestructures A.l-O are provided for the purpose of acting .a support for a bridge member 4l', one endgofwh'ich is hinged.y as atl 42, to a member 4:8, which, in the/initialcon-` dition ofthe apparat-us, is positionedl within the top of the interior of the hoztv-likestructure 4Q which surrounds the lower ends of one; of the innert, pair ofz'coljunins 2,6 i

haar: i

rangement being provided so that the bridge-like structure Lil` may` be arranged either vertically, so as to be concealed within the curtain 33, or horizontally as shown in ligs. l and ofthe drawings. The member 43 to which the bridge member ell is hinged-is mounted-within the box-like support 40, so as to enable Vthe same to be withdrawn therefrom when the bridge member -l-l elevated in the manner and for the purpose to be presently efqalained.V

Arranged below the bridge menjiberl l-l is a board lll having ropes i5 connected therewith, which ropes, elextend upwarch over pulleys 4 6 inthe canopy 27, and thence to the exterior for manual control b y the operators. rllheari' angeinent is suchthatwhen the board/1bl-` is elevated to the top ofthe structureas. shown n in Fig. t; of the drawings, the same will inlits upward movement encounter the bridge member 41 and` carry the saine upward therewith.

rlhere are also provided a plurality ofI pairs of articial legsflf, one pair being provided for each of the performers whoare to be caused to apparently vanishbyVK means ofthe apparatus, andthe same are provided with stockings and shoessinnlar tothose worn by the performers. Each of thez artificial legs 4-7 is preferably provided with aY hook member li8 at theiop thereof, ywherein the same may be initially hungonropes i9 secured to the columns 2 6 withinthe space enclosed by the curtain 3,3, being initially concealed by saidcurtain when so arranged The bridgemeinber 4l isalso provided with a plurality, of pairs of spring clamp members 5.0, adapted'to receive and holdthe',

artificial leg members a7, atk one stag-'cof the presentation of the illusion, aswill be hereinafter explained.

The central curtain is provided with a plurality of apertures 5l, which are covered by, suitable flaps (seeiFigl), for apurpose to he presently explained.

The main structure, which. is mounted` upon the pedestals ligand` 14is preferably. provided, with casters for theV purpose of facilitating the handling of the apparatusl when it is desired to setfthe. same up on the stage.

lit the presentation of, the illusion, the pedestals 18 and 14C are first placed upon the stage, the operatorsbeing careful. that, the pedestal 13 isplaced over thetr-ap opening ll in the door of the stage, it. being` under.- stood, of course,lthat v the ,door 12 of, the trap is closed, and it is not apparentto thespectators that the pedestal .lis thus, placed over a stage trap. After the pedestal,k i3y is.

so placed, the dohr 12 of-the trap may. at any. time-,thereafter be opened to afford a pasf sagEW-y through the trap.

rlheyinain-|` structure pushedL uponi the:

Stagefbgr the,.0nerat0rs,thfis action-benefiet.,

of our invention` and it Will also be understood that While the saine is particularly adapted for the Vanishing of a plurality of persons, the method and apparatus are equally applicable for the Vanishing of a single person if desired.

Having thus described the nature and characteristic features of our invention, Whatwe claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The method of producing an illusion which consists in a performer entering a structure, said 1 erformer simulating the appearance of Walking by manipulating artilicial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, said performer esaping from the structure after manipulating the artificial leg members, conveying said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

The method of producing` an illusion Which consists in a performer entering a structure, said performer simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in a fixed, position by manipulating1 artifical leg` members in a space exposed to the View ofthe spectators, said performer escaping from the structure after manipulating the artificial leg members, conveying said artificial leg` members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

The method of producing an illusion which consists in a performer entering a structure, said performer simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in a fixed position by manipulating articial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, said performer escaping from the structure after the artificial leg members manipulated by her are placed in the fined positions, conveying` said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

Il. rlhe method of producing an illusion which consists in a performer entering a structure, said performer simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in a fixed position by manipulating artificial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, said performer escaping from the structure after the arti ficial leg members manipulated by her are placed in the fixed positions, then momentarily shieldingthe artificial leg members from the View of the spectators, then conreying seid artificial leg members to con-- cealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators,

5. The method of producing an illusion Which consists in a series of performers successively entering a structure, each of. said 1,5se,eee

performers simulating the appearance of Walking by manipulating artificial leg members in ay space exposed to the View ofthe spectators, each performer escaping from the structure after manipulating the artificial leg members, conveying said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

6. The method of producing an illusion which consists in a. series of performers successively entering a structure, each of said performers simulating the appearance first of walking and thon of standing in fined positions by manipulating artificial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, each performer escaping from the structure after manipulating the artificial leg members, conveying said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

7. The method of producing an illusion which consists in a series of performers successively entering a structure, each of said performers simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in fixed positions by manipulating artificial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, each performer escaping from the structure after the artificial leg meinbers manipulated by 4her are placed in the fixed positions, conveying said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators.

8. The method of "producing an illusion which consists in a series of perfo 1mers snccessively entering a structure, each of said performers simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in fined positions by manipulating artificial leg members in a space exposed to the Vieri7 of the spectators, each performer escaping from the structure after the artificial leg members manipulated byV her are placed in the fixed positions, then momentarily shielding the artificial leg members from the View of the spectators, then conveying said artificial leg members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the Yiew of the spectators.

9. The method of producing an illusion which consists in a series of performers successively entering a. structure, each of said performers simulating the appearance first of Walking and then of standing in fixed positions by manipulating artificial leg members in a space exposed to the View of the spectators, each performer escaping from the structure after the artificial leg members manipulated by her are placed in the fined positions, one of said performers immediately before hei.l escape exposing her hand successively from apluralityof locations to Cil create the impression thereby that all of the performers are still Within the structure, then momentarily shielding the artificial leg members from the vien7 of the spectators, then conveying said artificial legl members to concealed locations, and finally exposing the interior of the structure to the View of the spectators. n f

i0. In apparatus of the character described, means for the concealed passage of performers across a portion of the structure,

and artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to bo manipulated by the performers in simulation of Walking in a space exposed to the View of the spectators.

l1. in apparatus of the character described, means for the concealed passage of performers across a portion of the structure, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in simulation of Walking in a space exposed to the view of the spectators, means for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, and means for moving said artificial leg. members to concealed locations.

l2. in apparatus of the character described, a structure having a. platform, means for the concealed passage of performers across a portion of the structure, arti tlcial leg members made in simulation of the legs Vof the performers and adapted to be ianipulated by the performers in simulation of Walking across the platform, and means adapted to conceal the space in a portion of the structure and to arbitrarily eX- pose the same fully or partially to the View of the spectators when desired.

13. ln apparatus of the character described, a structure having a platform, means for the concealed passage. of performers across a portion, of the structure, artificial members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in simulation of Wallrin across the platform, means for lioidii'ig s. al leg members in tired positions, means `ror moving said artiirial ieg membes to concealed locations, and means adapted to concealtlie space in a portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the fully or partially to the view of the spectators when desired.

l-t. In apparatus of the character desrribed` a structure having a platform, means for the concealed passage of performers at oss the central portion of the structure, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in simulation of Walking across the platform, means for raising the artificial leg members to concealed locations, means adapted to conceal the space at the end portions of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same to the View of the spectators when desired, and means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or par-` tially to the View of the spectators when desir d.

15.111 apparatus of the character de-` .spectators when desired, andmeans adapted to conceal the space Vin the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or partially to the View olf the spectators when desired.

16. In apparatus of the `character described, a structure having a platforn'i, a bridge member, affording means for the concealed passage of performers across the central portion of the structure, means for supporting said bridge member above the platform, means for raising' said bridge member to a concealed location, means adapted to conceal the space at the end portions of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same to the view of the spectators When desired, and means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or partially to the View of the spectators when desired.

l?. ln apparatus of the character described, a structure having a platform, a. bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of performers across the cen.-

tral portion of the structure, means for sup-- porting saidA bridge member above the platform, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the member in simulation of Walking, means adapted to conceal the space atnthe end portionsof the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same to the View of the spectators when desired. and means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose 'the same fully or partially to the view of the spectators When desired.

.18. ln apparatus of the character described, a structure having a platform, a bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of performers across the central portion of the structure, means for snpporting said bridge member above the platllO form, yartificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of 'the performers land adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below 'the bridge member in siinulation of walking, means for raising said bridge member and the artificial leg members to concealed locations, means adapted to conceal the space at the end portions of the structure and to arbitrarily erpose the same tothe view of the spectators when desired, and means ladapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or parti 'lj to the view of the spectators when desired.

i9. ln apparatus of the character described, a structure y having a platform, a bridge member affording means for the concealed passa-ge of performers 'across the central portion of the struct-ure, means for sup- 'porting said bridge member above the platform, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted Ato be vmanipulated by the performers in the space below vthe bridge member in simulation of walking, means for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, means for raising said bridge member and the artificial leg members to concealed locations, means adapted to conceal the space at the end portions of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same to the view of the spectators when desired, and means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily7 expose the same fully or partially to the view of the spectators when desired.

20. ln apparatus of the character described, a structure having a platform, a canopy, and Irelatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the platform, a bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of performers across the central portion of the structure, means for supporting said bridge `member above vthe platform, artificial leg members made in sinmlation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below 'the bridge member in simulation of walking, means for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, means for raising said bridge member and the artificial leg members to the canopy, the canopy having a chamber adapted to receive said artificial leg members when the same are raised, means adapted vto conceal the space Vat lthe .end portions of the structure and to arbitrarily eX- pose the same to the view of the spectators when desired, and means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or partially to 1the view of the spectators when desired.

21. In apparatus 'of 'the character described, a structure having va platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the platform, a bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of performers across the central portion of the structure, means for supporting 'said bridge member above the platpst-ruotarel and to arbitrarily expose the same to the view of the spectators when desired, means adapted to conceal the space in the central portion of the structure and to arbitrarily expose the same fully or partially to the view of the spectators 'when desired, and means for supporting said structure above a theatre stage, said supporting means having a concealed escape passageway and the platform of said structure having a concealed Vopeningadapted to register with the passageway in the supporting means.

22. ln apparatus of the character described, a frame work comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from the `canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions o-f the framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and,- lowering said central curtain, and means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains when the central curtain is partially lowered.

Q3. In apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns .supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains Asuspended from the canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of the framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains when the central curtain is partially lowered, and artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manip- LEG ulated by the performers in simulation of walking.

2li. ln apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above tbe base platform, curtains suspended from the cany opy adapted to partially enclose tbe end portions of the framework, means for raisingand lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending,` across the frontof tlie framework between the curtains the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering` said central curtain, means for tlie concealed passage of the performers across tbe space between the end curtains, artificial leg'meinbers made in simulation of tlie legs of tbe performers and adapted to be .manipulated by tlie performers. in simulation of walking, means for holding` said artificial leg members in lined positions, and means for raising the artificial leg members to concealed locations.

25. ln apparatus of tbe character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting` said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from tlie canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of tlie framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across tbe front of tlie fran'ieworlr between tl'ie curtains at the. end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, means for tbe concealed passage of tlie performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simul tion of tbe legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in simulation of walking, means for bolding said artificial leg' members in fixed positions, a board initially positioned on tlie top of the base platform, means for raising1 said board thereby to carry tlie artificial leg members up totlie canopy, tbe canopy having a cliamber adapted to receive said artificial leg members wlien the board is raised.

26. ln apparatus of tlie character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting l said canopy above tbe base platform, curtains suspended from tlie canopy adapted to partially enclose tlie end portions of tbe framework, means fo' raising` and lowering,- said curtains, a. central cin'tain suspended from said canopy extending across tlie front of tlie framework between the curtains at tbe end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be arranged across tlie space between tbe end curtains, and means for supporting; said bridge member above tlie base platform, tbe central curtain umns sup-porting said canopy above tlie base platform, curtains suspended from tbe canopy adapted to partially enclose tbe end portions of the frame-work, means for raising; and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspende-d from said canopy extending across the front of tlie framework between tbe curtains at tbe end portions tliereof, means for raising` and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be arranged across the space between the end if curtains, means for initially concealing said bridge member, and means for supporting said bridge member above the base platform, tbe central curtainbeing adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when tbe is so arranged, and tire bridge member affording means for tlie concealed passage of tbe performe across the space between tlie end curtains.

28. ln apparatus of the character de scribed, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above tbe base platform, curtains suspended from tlie canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of tlie framework, lmeans for raising,` and lowering said curtains, a cent 'al curtain suspended from said canopy er-.ztending across tbe front of the framework between tlie curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising;l and lowering said central curtaima bridge ymmnber adaiited to be initially concealed by one of tbe end curtains and adapted to be arra wed across tbe space between tbe end curtains, and means for supporting;` said bridge member above tbe base platform, tbe contra-.l curtain being` adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member wlien tbe is so arranged, and tbe bridge member affording means for tbe concealed passage of tire performers across the space between tlie end curtains.

ln apparatus of tbeclniracterdc 'ibed., a framework compri ig a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting1 said cai'iopy above tlie base platform, curtains suspended from tbe canopy adapted to partially enclose tbe end portions or the framewoi l, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending' across tbe front of tbe framework between tbe curtains at tbe end portions tliereof, means for raising and lowering said centralcurtain, a bridge inemlili ber adapted to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be arranged across the space between the end curtains, means for supporting said bridge member above the base platform, the central curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arranged, and the bridge meinber affording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, and artificial legmembers made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the tnidge member in simulation of walking.

30. ln apparatus of the character described, a framewfnk comprising' a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform,

curtains suspended from the canopy ada-ptf-:dv

to partially enclose the end portions of the framework, n'ieans for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be arranged across the space between the end curtains, means for supporting said bridge member above the base platform, the central curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arranged, and the bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the bridge member in simulation of walking, and means carried by the bridge member for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions.

3l. ln apparatusof the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from the canopy adapted to pariially enclose the end portions of the framework, means for raising and lower- Y ing said curtains, a central curtain suspended the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the bridge member in simulation of walking, means carried by the bridge member for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, and means for raising said bridO'e member and artificial leg members.

ln apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from the canopy adapted to partially enclose the end vportions of the framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapt-ed to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be aranged across the space Vbetween the end curtains, meansfor supporting said bridge member above the base platform, the central curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arranged, and the 'bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the bridge member in simulation of w lking, means carried by the bridge member for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, and means for raising said bridge'member and the artificial leg members to the canopy, the canopy having a chamber adapted to rcceive said artificial leg members when the same are raised. i

ln apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns'supporting'said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspemled fromthe canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of the framework, means for rais ing and lowering` said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of' the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering` said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be arranged across the space between the end curtains, means for supporting said bridge member above the base platform, the vcentral curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arranged, and the bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the bridge member in simulation of walking, means carried by the bridge member for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, a board initially positioned cn the top of the base platform, and means for raising said board thereby to carry the bridge member and the artificial leg members upward.

34. In apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from the canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of the framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of the framework between the curtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be arranged across the space between the end curtains, means for supporting said bridge member above the base platform, the centrall curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arranged, and the bridge member aording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made n simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the spa-ce below the bridge member in simulation of walking, means carried by the bridge member for holding said articial leg members in fixed positions, a board initially positioned on the top of the base platform, and means for raising said board thereby to carry the bridge member and the artificial leg members up to the canopy, the

canopy having a chamber adapted to receive said artificial leg members when the board is raised. v

35. In apparatus of the character described, a framework comprising a base platform, a canopy, and relatively slender columns supporting said canopy above the base platform, curtains suspended from the canopy adapted to partially enclose the end portions of the framework, means for raising and lowering said curtains, a central curtain suspended from said canopy extending across the front of thel framework between the Vcurtains at the end portions thereof, means for raising and lowering said central curtain, a bridge member adapted to be initially concealed by one of the end curtains and adapted to be arranged across the space between the end curtains, means for supporting `said bridge member above the base platform, the central curtain being adapted when partially lowered to conceal said bridge member when the same is so arrange-d, and the bridge member affording means for the concealed passage of the performers across the space between the end curtains, artificial leg members made in simulation of the legs of the performers and adapted to be manipulated by the performers in the space below the bridge member in simulation of walking, means carried by the bridge member for holding said artificial leg members in fixed positions, a board initially positioned on the top of the base platform, means for raising said board thereby to carry the bridge member and the artiiicial leg members up to the canopy, the canopy having a chamber adapted to receive said artificial leg members when the board is raised, and means for supporting the framework above a theatre stage, said supporting means having a concealed escape passageway.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto signed our names.

HOWARD TI-IURSTON. HARRY JANSEN. 

